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A:
There is no simple answer to this question. The
first stepwould be to see your primary care doctor
or an orthopedic specialist in order to determine an ac-
curate diagnosis and understand the cause of your pain.
Knee replacement is most often beneficial in the treat-
ment of knee arthritis. In some cases, knee pain may be
able to be treated with medication or therapy—or other
approaches less invasive than knee replacement. If ap-
propriate, your decision if and when to proceed with
knee replacement is as individual as you are.
Whether you have knee replacement is very much
your choice. In most cases, it is most appropriate to
try to manage your symptoms for as long as possible
with nonsurgical measures, such as anti-inflammatory
medications, injections, bracing and physical therapy.
Modification of activity, weight control and good control
of other medical problems are also important.
A L A S T R E S O R T
If you have done all you can to manage your symptoms
without surgery, knee replacement is a reasonable option.
Knee replacements provide a great deal of relief for the
vast majority of patients
who have them. Initial suc-
cess is largely dependent
on your general overall
health (because healthier
people are less likely to
have complications) and
a strong motivation to
rehabilitate your knee.
By following these guide-
lines, you can expect many
years of pain-free function
from your knee.
Douglas McInnis, M.D.,
orthopedic surgeon
Q:
I’ve had knee pain for years.
How do I know if I might need
joint replacement surgery?
ASK THE EXPERT
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